Knowledge and preventive practices related to Monkey pox among medical doctors in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: For effective control of Monkey pox (Mpox), clinicians need to have adequate knowledge of the disease and adopt appropriate practices to contain it. This study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of medical doctors regarding Monkey pox. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized for the study and using a two stage sampling method, 210 medical doctors working in Sokoto metropolis were recruited into the study. Aset of structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the study participants. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23 with level of statistical significance set at p<0.05 Results: All the respondents were aware of Mpox with more than half (52.3%) having the internet as their commonest source of information. The majority, ((72%) of the clinicians had good knowledge and only years of working experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the disease. Preventive practices were well exhibited by all the respondents with the majority (73%) having appropriate preventive practices. Conclusion and recommendation: This study has demonstrated good knowledge towards Mpox by clinicians in Sokoto metropolis, with a greater majority exhibiting appropriate preventive practices. Sustained awareness and retraining of health care workers in general is necessary to maintain the tempo of high index of suspicion for outbreaks of Mpox and other potential epidemics and also regular use of personal protective equipment

Molecular identification of phlebotomine sand flies and the harbored Leishmania spp. in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Introduction: Female sand flies are hematophagous, feeding on animals and in the process serve as vectors for Leishmania, the parasites that cause leishmaniasis in humans. Leishmaniasis are a group of parasitic neglected tropical diseases in 98 countries including Nigeria and kills ~60,000 people/year. In Nigeria, Sokoto State is endemic to leishmaniasis but there is a knowledge gap on the identity of the prevalent sand flies and the Leishmania species they transmit. Hence, this cross-sectional study was designed to take inventory of the species of sand flies in Sokoto using genetic methods. Methods: 1,260 (310 females) sand flies were collected from three Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Sokoto State- Wamakko, Sokoto South and Kware. Genomic DNA was extracted from each fly and DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out on the DNA samples using primers targeting the arthropods mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mt-coI) gene, and nested PCR with primers targeting the gene for Leishmania internal transcribed spacer-1 (its-1) of ribosomal RNA its-1rRNA. The PCR products were sequenced. Results: Gene sequence analysis revealed five species of sand flies belonging to the old-world genera namely Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. The identified species were P. papatasi (6.45%), S. adleri (6.45%), S. affinis (9.7%), S. distincta (9.7%), S. schwetzi (67.7%). Within the sampling period, sand flies were most abundant in the rainy months of August (104/33.5%) and September (116/37.4%) with all the five identified species occurring. Sequence analysis of its-1 gene identified Leishmania infantum in two sand flies (2/310)- P. papatasi (from Sokoto South) and S. affinis (from Wamakko). BLAST search in NCBI and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sand fly species are related to the species reported in different parts of Africa, while the L. infantum is identical to strain reported in Brazil (KY379083.1). Discussion: Phlebotomus papatasi and four species belonging to the genus Sergentomyia are the most prevalent sand flies in Sokoto State, Nigeria and they harbor L. infantum solely. The results shed light on why visceral leishmaniasis is the most predominant form of the disease. Therefore, we recommend that adequate care for dogs must be instituted as dogs are the major animal reservoir for L. infantum.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding prevention of rheumatic heart disease among primary health-care workers in sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the only preventable cardiovascular disease that still causes significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria where it is classified as a neglected disease. The inciting agent causes pharyngitis often not properly treated. Aim and Objectives: To study the knowledge and preventive practices of RHD amongst primary healthcare workers who are in contact with larger ratio of populace in order to recommend appropriate interventions. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted among health workers in primary health centres in Sokoto metropolis. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide was used to collect the information. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: Majority (109/182; 59.8%) had RHD inadequate knowledge of causes, risk factors and treatment of pharyngitis which predisposes to RHD. Only 49 (26.9%) of the respondents knew the name of the causative agent. The knowledge gap was related to length of training and attendance at a training (ꭓ2 = 8.38; P=0.015 & ꭓ2 = 7.92; P=0.004). Majority of the respondents with 168 out of 182 (92.3%) had positive attitude. Practice grading was adequate in only less than half of the respondents (88/182; 48.4%). Male gender and negative attitude were predictors of adequacy of preventive practices (aOR= 0.49; 95% C.I =0.267-0.929; P=0.03 & aOR= 3.87; 95% C.I =1.027-14.586; P=0.046). Conclusion: The health workers had inadequate knowledge and poor practice on prevention of rheumatic heart disease. It is necessary to upscale information available to them by medical specialists and upgrade their curriculum.

Résumé Arrière-plan: La cardiopathie rhumatismale (RHD) est la seule maladie cardiovasculaire évitable qui cause encore une morbidité et une mortalité importantes dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire comme le Nigeria où elle est classée comme une maladie négligée. L'agent incitant provoque une pharyngite souvent mal traitée. But et objectifs: Étudier les connaissances et les pratiques préventives de RHD parmi les agents de santé primaires qui sont en contact avec une plus grande proportion de la population afin de recommander des interventions appropriées. Méthodologie: Une étude transversale menée auprès des agents de santé des centres de santé primaires de la métropole de Sokoto. La technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés a été utilisée pour recruter les participants à l'étude. Un questionnaire structuré et un guide de discussion de groupe ont été utilisés pour recueillir les informations. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide d'IBM SPSS version 25. Résultats: La majorité (109/182 ; 59,8 %) avaient une connaissance inadéquate des causes, des facteurs de risque et du traitement de la pharyngite qui prédispose à la RHD. Seuls 49 (26,9%) des répondants connaissaient le nom de l'agent causal. Le déficit de connaissances était lié à la durée de la formation et à la participation à une formation (ꭓ2 = 8,38 ; P=0,015 & ꭓ2 = 7,92 ; P=0,004). La majorité des répondants avec 168 sur 182 (92,3%) avaient une attitude positive. La notation de la pratique n'était adéquate que pour moins de la moitié des répondants (88/182 ; 48,4 %). Le sexe masculin et l'attitude négative étaient des prédicteurs de l'adéquation des pratiques préventives (aOR = 0,49 ; IC à 95 % = 0,267-0,929 ; P = 0,03 et aOR = 3,87 ; IC à 95 % = 1,027-14,586 ; P = 0,046). Conclusion: Les agents de santé avaient des connaissances insuffisantes et de mauvaises pratiques en matière de prévention des cardiopathies rhumatismales. Il est nécessaire de valoriser les informations mises à leur disposition par les médecins spécialistes et d'améliorer leur cursus. Mots-clés: rhumatisme articulaire aigu, attitude, GABHS, savoir, pharyngite, pratique, prévention, soins de santé primaires, cardiopathie rhumatismale, Sokoto.

The influence of climate change on freshwater availability in the Sokoto Rima River Basin, Northwestern Nigeria.

This research entailed the acquisition of long-term (1980-2020) meteorological data (rainfall, temperature, and runoff) which was used to compute the values for the mean annual, monthly, and seasonal hydro-climate variables to establish their trend and behavior. To substantiate if the patterns of runoff are in any way due to the changing climate, the meteorological data were subjected to non-parametric tests-Mann-Kendall (MK), Sen's slope estimator, Kendall tau, and partial correlation. MK trend test for runoff, rainfall, and temperature (on an annual and seasonal basis) revealed significant trends on an annual scale. Nevertheless, rainfall data did not exhibit any, observable trend on a seasonal scale. On both annual and seasonal scales, temperature values showed increasing trends. In the entire period considered (1980-2020), runoff also exhibited a remarkable increase in trend. Sen's estimator values ranged from - 0.04 to 3.23. The results of the Kendall tau correlation showed that runoff is positively correlated to rainfall (tau = 0.222), with a high confidence level (95%). Again, the partial correlation analysis of runoff and climatic variables for annual and seasonal timescale, results show that the runoff is significantly (rxy.z = 0.315) affected by both rainfall and temperature. It is therefore recommended that future research should utilize robust input-output models to determine the amount of water stress in the basin. As a sustainable management approach, artificial surface water reservoirs should be constructed to complement the available water from the Sokoto-Rima river and alleviate the water stress experienced by the population.

Knowledge of health effects and determinants of psychoactive substance use among secondary school students in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: psychoactive substance use (PSU) is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or methods which are harmful to themselves or others. Psychoactive substance use takes a considerable toll on financial status, academic achievement and health status of addicts. In Nigeria, PSU is on the increase, one of the most disturbing health-related problems and a leading cause of premature death among school aged population worldwide. We therefore, determined the knowledge of health effects and determinants of psychoactive substance use among secondary school students in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study among 430 secondary school students that were selected using multistage sampling in Sokoto, Northwestern, Nigeria from April to May 2019. We collected data using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. We calculated proportions and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: knowledge of health effects of PSU was good in 38.1% of the respondents with a mean score of 19.6 ± 10.0. The overall prevalence of PSU was high among current users (16.3%), male participants (78.6%) and those aged 17-years or more (68.6%). Independent predictors of current use of psychoactive substances were poor knowledge of health effects (aOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.7-10.0) and father´s use of psychoactive substances (aOR: 10.3, 95% CI= 1.9-57.1). CONCLUSION: knowledge of health effects of psychoactive substances was generally poor among the participants with an associated high prevalence among current users. Poor knowledge of its health effects determines the use of psychoactive substances. We conducted awareness campaigns and health talk on health effects of PSU to secondary school students in the State. The Federal Ministry of Education should ensure that PSU-related topics are incorporated in the secondary school curriculum.

A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward dengue fever among health workers in a tertiary health institution in Sokoto state, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever (DF) has become a disease of public health concern. It is a mosquito-borne virus infection caused by one of the four serotypes of the dengue virus, and the disease is prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with a global burden in the Americas. Yearly, about 390 million cases of new infection are estimated to occur. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed atdetermining the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever amongst health workers in a tertiary health institution in Sokoto state , Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, among 367 health-care workers who had worked in the hospital for at least 1 year before the study were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data were collected by trained resident doctors using a standardized, pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 with a significance set at P > 0.05. RESULTS: There was high awareness (95.1%) among the respondents, with seminars and lectures in school as the most familiar information sources. A more significant proportion, 87.8%, 93.2%, and 76.6%, of the respondents had adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate DF practice, respectively. Nurses and laboratory scientists had higher practice scores compared to other health-care workers (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Capacity building of health-care workers, especially the primary care physicians on surveillance, proper diagnosis, and treatment, is needed to avoid missing cases or misdiagnosis of cases, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries with limited health resources care service delivery.

Predictors of bullying perpetration among adolescents attending secondary schools in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, 2019.

INTRODUCTION: bullying affects up to 85% of in-school adolescents in Nigeria. It presents a potentially serious threat to healthy adolescent development. Bullying has not been extensively studied in Nigeria and more so in northern Nigeria. Therefore, we investigated the types and predictors of bullying perpetration among adolescents in secondary schools. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study between January and March 2019. Using a multistage sampling technique, we recruited 390 adolescents. We estimated the prevalence and types of bullying perpetration, and we examined the predictors of bullying among the participants using chi-square and binary logistic regression at a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: the mean age of adolescents was 15.2 ± 1.9 years. Majority of the participants 234 (60.0%) were in late adolescence (15-19 years), and 205 (52.6%) were males. The most prevalent type of bullying perpetrated was verbal [69.7%; 95% CI = 64.9-74.3%]. Overall, 307 [78.7%; 95% CI = 74.3-82.6%] had perpetrated at least one type of bullying. Male gender (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.70; 95%CI = 1.43 - 5.10), attending a boarding school (aOR: 7.93, 95% CI = 2.91 - 21.58) and frequent parental conflicts (aOR: 5.23, 95% CI = 2.15 - 12.71) were independent predictors of bullying perpetration. CONCLUSION: there is a high prevalence of bullying perpetration among adolescents in Sokoto metropolis, especially among males, those in boarding schools and those who experience frequent parental conflicts. We recommend that school principals should pay close attention to this behaviour and parents should be sensitized on the consequences of their domestic actions on their children.

Evaluation of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance indicators in Sokoto state, Nigeria, 2012-2019: a secondary data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria, the last endemic country in the WHO African Region, was certified free of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in 2020. However, due to low immunity in some communities in Sokoto, outbreaks of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (cVDPV) occur. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance indicators in Sokoto state, Nigeria. METHODS: This retrospective study was an analysis of routinely collected AFP surveillance data between 2012 and 2019 by the Sokoto state surveillance network. We assessed the Sokoto state AFP surveillance system using the AFP surveillance performance indicators. We performed all analyses using Microsoft Excel 2019. RESULTS: Cumulatively, 3001 Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases were reported over the evaluation period, out of which 1692 (56.4%) were males, and 2478 (82.4%) were below five years. More than half, 1773 (59.1%), had a fever at the beginning of the disease, and 1911 (63.7%) had asymmetric paralysis. The non-polio AFP rate (9.1 to 23.5% per 100,000 children < 15 years old) and stool adequacy rate (92.5 to 100%) indicate high sensitivity. The proportion of cases that had stool samples collected early, timely transported to the laboratory and arrived at the laboratory in optimal condition were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) minimum standard of 80%. There was inadequate profile documentation of some suspected cases. CONCLUSIONS: Sokoto State has exceeded the WHO minimum standards in most of the AFP surveillance indicators. The performance of the system is sufficient enough to detect any reintroduction of WPV into the state. However, there is a need for improvement in data quality.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis in an infant from Sokoto, north-western Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a life-threatening necrotising bacterial infection of the kidneys. It is rare among children and can be fatal if not promptly identified and treated. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-month-old male infant presented to the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, on 12 November 2019 with a 5-day history of fever and vomiting, and a 3-day history of a progressively enlarging, left-side abdominal mass. There was associated excessive crying on micturition, refusal to feed and weight loss. He looked ill and was in respiratory distress, irritable, febrile (38.8 °C), moderately dehydrated and pale. His weight and length were 5.5 kg and 64 cm. He had a tender, firm and ballotable abdominal mass on the left flank measuring 8 cm × 10 cm. His pulse rate was 140 beats/min, blood pressure 60/40 millimetres of mercury and respiratory rate was 65 cycles/min. He had widespread coarse crepitations and normal heart sounds on chest auscultation. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: An initial diagnosis of sepsis was made. Other considerations were nephroblastoma and neuroblastoma. Ceftriaxone and blood transfusion were commenced with subsequent administration of intravenous fluids. Further radiologic investigations revealed emphysematous pyelonephritis. The patient had percutaneous drainage and extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (sensitive to meropenem) which was isolated from the aspirate culture after 48 h of incubation. Meropenem could not be commenced because of non-availability and high cost. The patient subsequently deteriorated and died from septic shock. CONCLUSION: Emphysematous pyelonephritis has a fulminant course when not diagnosed promptly and treated adequately.

Environmental isotope characteristics of water sources in the Sokoto Basin - an evaluation of the role of meteoric recharge and residence time.

The water sources of the Sokoto Basin are mainly of interrelated origin. The groundwater is composed of old water recharged in different climate regimes and of recent meteoric water. The recharge source is influenced by both local and regional moisture circulation given the lower slope and intercept of the local meteoric water line (LMWL) relative to those of the global meteoric water line (GMWL) and distribution of the deuterium excess d from -20 to +14 ‰. The identified interrelated water sources were confirmed by variations in tritium measured between 4.9 and <0.4 TU. The groundwater and surface water were identified to be of mixed origin, consisting of interrelated and recent types. This depicts active recharge taking place across the basin. The groundwater recharge was established to be renewable; however, rational water exploitation should be exercised considering growing water demand with the corresponding population rise.

Dressed chicken as potential vehicle for spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Sokoto, Nigeria.

AIM: To evaluate the role of dressed chicken in the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Sokoto, Nigeria. MATERIALS & METHODS: 190 chicken carcass rinsates were subjected to culture and biochemical analyses to isolate and identify MRSA. PCR was used to amplify mecA gene that is responsible for methicillin resistance. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Culture and molecular analysis showed 19.5% (37/190) of the rinse had MRSA on oxacillin-resistance screening agar base (ORSAB) with 7.9% (15/190) possessing the mecA gene. Significant association (p = 0.044) exist between local-chicken and presence of MRSA, being twice more likely to have MRSA compared to exotic-chickens (odds ratio [OR] = 2.132). Results indicate possible role of dressed-chicken in the spread of MRSA. Authorities should regulate the sale and use of antibiotics by farmers, and enhance hygienic practices at slaughterhouses.

Assessment of breast cancer immunohistochemistry and tumor characteristics in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Female breast cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide with an incidence of approximately 2.1 million in 2018. Hormone receptor status plays a vital role in its management. AIM: To determine the molecular expression pattern of biomarkers in breast cancer and their correlation with tumor variables. METHODS: This prospective study was designed to analyze expression patterns of estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor(HER2/neu) in breast cancer patients. The dataset has been taken from the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria from 1 January 2015 to 2 December 2019. The dataset had 259 records and 7 attributes. SPSS version 23.0 for statistical analysis was used. The data analyzed demographic and other clinicopathological characteristics as categorical variables. The mean and standard deviation were determined for the quantitative variable. RESULTS: A total of 259 breast cancer cases were included in the study. The mean age was 48.3 ± 11.0, with an age range of 26-80 years and a median age of 46 years. The morphological categories were invasive ductal carcinoma 258 (99.6%) and invasive lobular carcinoma 1 (0.4%). ER, positivity increased in 73 patients (50%) under the age of 50 years, as well as PR positivity increased in 34 patients (23.6%) under the age of 50 years. HER/2neupositivity decreased in 8 patients (5.6%) under the age of 50 years. Hormonal receptors were statistically significant with clinicopathological characteristics (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ER, PR and HER2/neuexpression had a strong correlation with age, tumor grade, tumor size and lymph node status. Hence, hormone receptor assessment is highly recommended because of its significance in clinical management and prognostication.

Integration of medicinal plants into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to explore and record various medicinal plants integrated into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer. The traditional system of medicine is a routine practiced among the indigenous ethnic groups of Sokoto state. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection around the selected Local Government Areas. A substantial number of plant species were identified, recorded, and collected for preservation. Data collected for each specie was analysed to assess its frequent use among the medicinal plants. A total of 67 species belonging to 31 families have been identified and recorded. Out of the 473 frequency of citation (FC), Acacia nilotica was the most frequently cited specie (32 FC, 64% FC, 0.6 RFC), followed by Guiera senegalensis (27 FC, 54% FC, 0.5 RFC), Erythrina sigmoidea (17 FC, 34% FC, 0.3 RFC), and subsequently Combretum camporum (15 FC, 30% FC, 0.3 RFC). The most common parts of the plants used include the barks (55.2%), the roots (53.2%), and the leaves (41.8%). Additionally, decoction (74.6%), powdered form (49.3%), and maceration (46.3%) are the most frequently used mode of preparation. The historical knowledge of a traditional system of medicine practiced by the native traditional healers of Sokoto for the treatment of cancer has been documented. The present study further provides a baseline for future pharmacological investigations into the beneficial effects of such medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer.

Ameliorative effects of L-glutamine on haematological parameters in heat-stressed Red Sokoto goats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate haematological responses in Red Sokoto goats (RSGs) administered with L-glutamine during the hot-dry season. Experimental animals included 28 clinically healthy RSGs divided into treated group (n = 14); each administered L-glutamine at 0.2 g/kg body weight, dissolved in 10 mL distilled water, and control group (n = 14); each administered 10 mL distilled water, per os once daily for 21 days. The ambient temperature and relative humidity recorded daily for 4 weeks were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index. Three millilitres of blood sample was collected from each goat by jugular venipuncture for haematology, while rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were also measured once weekly at weeks 0 (before), 1, 2, 3 (during) and 4 (after L-glutamine administration). The haematological, RT, HR and RR data obtained weekly were analysed using repeated-measures one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test to evaluate differences between periods, and between treated and control groups. The PCV, haemoglobin concentration and RBC count were higher (P < 0.05) in the treated group compared to the control group during the period of L-glutamine administration. These differences were sustained till week 4. Beginning from week 1 of the study, the total leucocyte count in treated group (10.10 ± 0.25 × 103/µL) was higher (P < 0.05) than the count in control group (7.23 ± 0.41 × 103/µL), this trend was also maintained throughout the study. The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio during weeks 3 and 4 of the experiment was lower (P < 0.05) in the treated compared to the control group. RT was lower (P < 0.05) in treated group than the control group. In conclusion, L-glutamine administration ameliorated the adverse effects of heat stress on the haematological parameters in RSGs during the hot-dry season.

Determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.

Background: Roadside automobile mechanics are in the course of their work exposed to several hazards that put them at risk of severe debilitating health challenges. This group of workers, however, is reported not to know much about such hazards and to have little or no training on workplace safety. Aim: The study aimed to identify the determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, and using a two-stage sampling technique, a total of 205 roadside mechanics were recruited for the study. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used, and the data were imputed into and analyzed using IBM SPSS. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 31.10 ± 10.19 years, and over one-third of them (38.1%) were general vehicle repairers. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of and attitude toward workplace hazards. However, a good proportion (91.0%) of the mechanics felt that their occupation was a risky one and 80.1% ate and 86.1% drank while working. Type of training and job description were the predictors of knowledge of workplace hazards. Job description was the only predictor of attitude. Burns, bruises, headache/dizziness, and cuts were the most reported work-related illnesses and injuries. Conclusion: Although most of the auto-mechanics were aware and had good knowledge of workplace hazards, they did not adhere to safety practices in the workplace, mostly due to nonavailability of protective apparels. There is, therefore, need for continuous health education under the platform of the auto-mechanics association so that they can voluntarily adopt safety practices in their workplace.

RésuméContexte: Au cours de leur travail, les mécaniciens d'automobiles au bord de la route sont exposés à plusieurs risques qui les exposent à de graves problèmes de santé débilitants. Cependant, ce groupe de travailleurs ne connaît pas grand-chose à ces dangers et n'a pas ou peu de formation sur la sécurité au travail. Objectif: L'étude visait à identifier les déterminants des risques professionnels en matière de santé chez les mécaniciens automobiles de Sokoto Metropolis. Matériel et Méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et, en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage en deux étapes, un total de 205 mécaniciens de bord de route ont été recrutés pour l'étude. Un questionnaire administré par un intervieweur semi-structuré a été utilisé et les données ont été imputées et analysées à l'aide d'IBM SPSS. Résultats: L 'âge moyen des répondants était de 31.10 ± 10.19 et plus d' un tiers d 'entre eux (38.1%) étaient des réparateurs de véhicules généraux. La majorité des répondants avaient de bonnes connaissances et une bonne attitude à l'égard des dangers au travail. Cependant, une bonne partie des mécaniciens estimaient que leur profession était risquée 183 (91,0%) et majoritaire, en mangeait 161 (80,1%) et en buvait 173 (86,1%) pendant qu'ils travaillaient. Le type de formation et la description de poste étaient des prédicteurs de la connaissance des dangers au travail. La description de travail était le seul prédicteur de l'attitude. Les brûlures, les ecchymoses, les maux de tête/vertiges et les coupures étaient les maladies et les blessures liées au travail les plus souvent rapportées. Conclusion: Bien que la plupart des mécaniciens et des mécaniciennes d'automobiles aient été au courant et aient une bonne connaissance des risques au travail, ils n'ont pas respecté les pratiques de sécurité sur le lieu de travail. Il existe donc un besoin d'éducation continue en matière de santé dans le cadre de la plate-forme de l'association de mécanique automobile afin qu'ils puissent adopter volontairement des pratiques de sécurité sur leur lieu de travail.

Prevalence of some hepatitis B virus markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. The virus has infected more than one-third of the global population. It has been estimated that 360 million chronic carriers are living around the world with a high risk for developing cirrhosis, hepatic carcinoma and hepatic failure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of some hepatitis B markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Nigeria. METHODS: The hepatitis testing was carried out using the Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic HBV-5 rapid kit (Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic, USA). The kit is based on lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in human serum or plasma. Panel format can conveniently test for five targets at once and utilizes all markers to help distinguish between acute and chronic infections. RESULTS: Out of 117 pregnant women tested, 15 were positive for HBsAg (12.8%), 6 positive for HBsAb (5.1%), 1 for HBeAg (0.9%), 14 tested positive for HBeAb (12.0%), and 14 tested for HBcAb (12.0%). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on ethnicity. HBsAb was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group (p= 0.001). The prevalence of HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was not affected by ethnicity (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on age. Infection by the hepatitis B virus markers was higher among young adult and middle age groups. The difference was however not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on the educational status, previous history of blood transfusion, jaundice, employment status and previous history of still births among the pregnant subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study observed a high prevalence of various hepatitis B viral markers among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. There is need for routine screening of all pregnant women and infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify efforts to enlighten the general population on the public health importance of the disease and the importance of hepatitis screening. There is also need for the development of a treatment protocol for the management of pregnant women positive for hepatitis B to prevent mother to child transmission. There is an urgent need for the implementation of evidenced-based best practice of providing universal vaccination against hepatitis B for all hepatitis B negative women of child bearing age in particular and all Nigerians in general.

Giant Encephalocele in Sokoto, Nigeria: A 5-Year Review of Operated Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Encephalocele is a common congenital malformation of the central nervous system; however, giant encephaloceles are rare. The use of folic acid supplementation and termination of pregnancies, which are prenatally diagnosed with encephaloceles and other congenital malformation of the central nervous system, has significantly reduced the occurrence of this type of congenital malformation, especially in developed countries. METHODS: This was a retrospective review over a 5-year period from January 2006 to December 2010 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Regional Centre for Neurosurgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The records of patients with giant encephalocele were retrieved from the case notes of patients who had excision and repair for encephalocele. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients had excision and repair of encephalocele over the study period. However, the records of only 50 patients were retrieved. Fourteen (28%) of the 50 whose records were retrieved had giant encephalocele. There were 4 male and 10 female patients (1:2.5). Thirteen (92.9%) had the lesion located in the occipital region, whereas in 1 patient (7.1%) the lesion was at the vertex. Three (21%) of the cases had microcephaly, 1 (7.1%) had macrocephaly, and 1 (7.1%) developed postoperative hydrocephalus. The average size of defect was 2.43 cm, and the size of the lesion ranged from 12 × 6 cm to 40 × 50 cm. The average maternal age was 20.3 years (n = 6), and the paternal age was 29 years (n = 4). Four out of 7 (57%) mothers had febrile illness in early pregnancy. Seven out of 10 patients (70%) did not have antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: This condition is more common in children conceived during the period when farm products are yet to be harvested, and whose mothers did not attend antenatal care visits. It is recommended that mothers should be educated on the necessity of preconception folic acid. Implementation of a national strategy on food fortification is also advised. We recommend surgery after the first month of life to reduce poor early postoperative outcomes. In developing countries and centers with suboptimal pediatric intensive care units, surgical intervention is preferred after the first month of life with good temperature control, adequate fluid replacement following rupture of the sac, blood transfusion availability, and, only if necessary, complex cranial reconstruction.

PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL FORMS OF MALARIA AMONG FEBRILE HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN SEEN AT USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOKOTO, NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and HIV infections are major health problems facing the world today. Sub-Saharan Africa with 10 percent of world's population harbors more than half the burden of the scourge. The present study determined the prevalence and clinical forms of malaria among febrile HIV-infected children aged 3months to 15years, seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among febrile HIV-infected children and their control cohort were carried out between May and October 2016. The participants had the following investigations: malarial parasite, packed cell volume, random blood sugar, retroviral test. RESULTS: A total of 140 febrile HIV-infected children aged 3 months to 15 years and 140 febrile HIV-negative age- and gender-matched children were recruited; 100 of the HIV-infected children were on ART and cotrimoxazole. The prevalence of malaria among the febrile HIV-infected children was 71.4% (100/140) which was significantly lower than the prevalence of 94.3% (132/140) among the control group (χ2 27.72, p=0.001). Among the febrile HIV-infected children that had malaria, 54(54.0%) had uncomplicated malaria while 46(46.0%) had severe malaria. Of the 132 controls that had malaria, 48(36.4%) had uncomplicated malaria and 84(63.6%) had severe malaria (χ2 =7.184, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Malaria is a problem in HIV-infected children. Since nearly half of the febrile HIV-infected children had severe form of malaria, it is recommended that health promotion, intermittent malaria prophylaxis, early diagnosis and prompt effective treatment should be instituted for HIV-infected children. This may prevent severe form of malaria and its attendant mortality.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Experience of Sexual Violence among Female Employees in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude and experiences of sexual violence among female employees in Sokoto metropolis. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 191 participants and a set of pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. The mean age of the respondents was 28.9years ±6 with 102(53%) of them aged between 20-30 years. Up to 112(63.6%) of them were unmarried, 127(73%) were Muslims and 96(54.5%) in the upper socio-economic class (SEC). About 50% of respondents in both formal and informal settings had good knowledge of sexual violence and up to 36% and 64% of respondents in the formal and informal settings respectively have positive attitude towards sexual violence (SV). Overall prevalence of SV in the workplace was 63.8% (N=113) and significant predictors of SV in the work place include tribe (p=0.006), work setting (p=0.02) and society's perception of SV (P <0.001). Respondents in this study showed high levels of awareness and knowledge regarding SV in the workplace. The study revealed a high prevalence of SV in the workplace especially among females in formal settings with several factors including, perception of the society on sexual violence and working in the formal sector were found to have influenced respondents' experience of SV in the workplace. There is the need, therefore for the government and relevant stake holders to put in place measures to curb SV in the workplace and protect victims of such practices with relevant legislations.

Effects of malaria parasitaemia on some haemostatic parameters among pregnant women of African descent in Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy is a major contributor to adverse maternal and prenatal outcome. In hyper endemic areas like ours, it is a common cause of anaemia in pregnancy and is aggravated by poor socioeconomic circumstance. This study evaluated the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time of malaria parasitized pregnant women. METHOD: A total of 90 pregnant women participated in the study, 60 of which were malaria positive and 30 of which were malaria negative. Participants were recruited from the antenatal Clinic of Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain some socio-demographic characteristics of subjects. Blood samples were collected in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid and examined for malaria parasite and platelet count while citrated samples were used for the determination of some haemostatic parameters (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time). Data generated was analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical package. A p-value ⩽ 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical comparisons. RESULT: There was a statistically significant decrease (p= 0.000) in the platelet counts of the parasitized subjects compared to the non-parasitized controls. We observed a significant prolongation on both the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time among the parasitized subjects compared to the non-parasitized controls (p= 0.000). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that malaria in pregnancy causes a significant decrease in the platelet count and prolongation in the prothrombin (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). There is need for the malaria and haemostatic parameters to be assayed routinely on pregnant women particularly those presenting to antenatal clinic with febrile illness.